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Law Enforcement Ranger Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

$104K - $135K/yr

Supervise and mentor field law enforcement staff, both permanent and seasonal * Detect, investigate, apprehend, and prosecute under applicable laws, rules, and regulations enacted to ensure the ...

Law Enforcement Ranger information

See Alaska salary details

$12

$22

$42

How much do law enforcement ranger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for law enforcement ranger in Alaska is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $23.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Law Enforcement Rangers?

Law Enforcement Rangers are specially trained officers who work in national parks, forests, and other public lands to enforce laws, protect resources, and ensure visitor safety. They have authority to investigate crimes, issue citations, make arrests, and respond to emergencies like search and rescue operations. In addition to law enforcement duties, they also educate the public on park regulations and conservation efforts. Law Enforcement Rangers play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and integrity of protected natural areas.

How much does a ranger officer make?

A law enforcement ranger officer typically earns a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and agency. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced officers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits such as overtime and certifications in law enforcement procedures.

What kind of cop is a ranger?

A law enforcement ranger is a type of officer responsible for protecting natural resources, enforcing laws in parks or wilderness areas, and ensuring public safety. They often have law enforcement authority similar to police officers and may carry firearms, enforce regulations, and perform search and rescue operations. Rangers typically require specialized training and certifications related to law enforcement and environmental protection.

What are some common challenges faced by Law Enforcement Rangers, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Law Enforcement Rangers often work in remote or rugged environments, which can pose challenges such as unpredictable weather, wildlife encounters, and limited immediate backup. New hires should be prepared to exercise sound judgment, remain calm under pressure, and adapt quickly to changing situations. Physical fitness, solid communication skills, and thorough knowledge of park regulations are essential. Rangers frequently collaborate with other agencies and the public, so strong interpersonal skills are also important for building trust and ensuring safety.

What do rangers do in law enforcement?

Law enforcement rangers are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations within parks, forests, or protected areas. They conduct patrols, respond to emergencies, issue citations, and educate the public about conservation and safety. Rangers often need training in law enforcement procedures and may carry tools like radios, firearms, and first aid equipment.

What is the difference between Law Enforcement Ranger vs Park Ranger?

AspectLaw Enforcement RangerPark Ranger
Required CredentialsPeace officer certification, law enforcement trainingBasic park service training, sometimes law enforcement certification
Work EnvironmentEnforces laws, responds to emergencies, patrols public areasEducates visitors, maintains park facilities, enforces park rules
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, or local law enforcement agenciesNational, state, or local park services

Law Enforcement Rangers have law enforcement authority, requiring peace officer certification, and focus on law enforcement duties within parks. Park Rangers primarily focus on education, conservation, and visitor services, with some law enforcement responsibilities. Both roles work in outdoor environments but differ in their primary responsibilities and required credentials.

Does NPS have SWAT?

Law Enforcement Rangers within the National Park Service (NPS) do not typically serve as SWAT team members. However, NPS law enforcement agencies may have specialized units trained in tactical response, and officers often receive additional training in defensive tactics and firearms. SWAT teams are generally part of larger law enforcement agencies, such as city police or federal agencies, rather than park ranger units.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Law Enforcement Ranger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Law Enforcement Ranger, you need knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, law enforcement procedures, and a background in criminal justice or natural resource management, often supported by specialized training and certification through agencies like the National Park Service. Familiarity with patrol vehicles, incident reporting systems, firearms, and other law enforcement tools is typically required. Excellent judgment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring public safety, protecting natural resources, and effectively managing incidents in diverse and sometimes remote environments.
What are popular job titles related to Law Enforcement Ranger jobs in Alaska? For Law Enforcement Ranger jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Law Enforcement Ranger jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Law Enforcement Ranger jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Law Enforcement Ranger job openings in Alaska as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,284 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

$104K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

This position is located in Katmai National Park and Preserve, in the Protection Division.
This is an open continuous vacancy announcement. Applicants will be referred periodically throughout the announcement period. Final application disposition will be completed once all positions have been filled or the announcement reaches the end of the open period stated in the announcement. The first cut-off date is 11:59 pm (est), April 28th, 2026.Qualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/06/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 for each federal position listed as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of qualifying experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, your resume must state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience.
For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected. Selective Factors: Applicants must meet ALL of the following to qualify:
  • Law Enforcement Commission: Must currently possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to obtain a valid Type I or higher National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission, or equivalent, by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
  • Secondary Law Enforcement Position: This is a covered secondary law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336(c) (CSRS) and 8412(d) (FERS). Applicants for this position must possess experience gained by substantial service in a primary law enforcement position.
- AND -Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications by close of the announcement:
  • EXPERIENCE: At least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS/GL-11 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position. (1) Managing or leading law enforcement and resource protection program; (2) Evaluating law enforcement program activities based on funding to determining objectives, amount and location of work, as well as type of resources needed for the program; (3) Interpreting regulations and policy directives related to law enforcement and natural resource protection; (4) Reviewing law enforcement case reports to ensure compliance with policy, mutual aid agreements, cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding; AND/OR (5) Investigating criminal activity, conducting investigations of applicable Federal or state laws, and performing training / instructor responsibilities. You must include hours per week worked. Examples of specialized experience could include: Park Guide or tour leader; law enforcement or investigative work; archeological or historical preservation research work; forestry and/or fire management work in a park, recreation, or conservation area; management, assistant, or program specialist work involving the development and implementation of policy related to protection, conservation, or management of park areas or similar operations; or other similar work. You must include hours per worked per week.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Continuation of Requirements:
  • Drug Testing: You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
  • Selectee(s) must be free of any domestic violence convictions. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • Firearm Proficiency: Selectee(s) will be required to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency.
  • Physical Fitness: Prior to appointment, you must be determined physically fit by an authorized government physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties; and also pass a medical examination (which includes vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and mobility of extremities) given by an authorized government physician. You will also be required to undergo periodic medical examinations throughout employment.
  • Physical Efficiency Battery: If applicable, prior to appointment, the people selected for these positions must be determined physically fit by an authorized physician to perform strenuous and physically demanding duties, pass a medical examination, and pass the Physical Efficiency Battery (PEB). The PEB is a fitness test consisting of five different components: 1) agility run - measures the ability to get up from the ground and sprint while changing directions; 2) bench press - measures upper body strength for one repetition; 3) 1.5 mile run - measures cardio/respiratory fitness; 4) sit and reach - measures flexibility in the lower back, legs and shoulders; and 5) body composition - measures body fat. Prior to appointment, selectees will be tested in all five components, and must pass the agility run, bench press and 1.5 mile run in the 25th percentile.
  • Probationary/Trial Period: If you are a new employee or supervisor in the Federal government, you will be required to complete a one-year probationary period.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education:There is no substitution of education for experience at the grade level(s) of this announcement.
Law Enforcement Commission: This position requires applicants to possess, previously held (within the past three years), or be able to possess by closing date of this announcement a valid Type I or higher level National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Commission (or equivalent), which requires completing training from an accredited institution, which currently consists of over 650 class hours and lasts on average 17 weeks. Please visit the Association of National Park Rangers' Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program (SLETP) for additional information on approved training courses and equivalency for commissioning.
Secondary Positions: This is a secondary-administrative law enforcement position under the special retirement provisions of 5 U.S. C. 8336 (c) (CSRS) and 5 U. S. C. 8412 (d) (FERS). PLEASE NOTE: Applicants may meet qualification requirements but may not be eligible for special retirement coverage. If such an applicant is selected, they will be placed in the regular retirement system. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under CSRS, an employee must transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position. To be eligible for Secondary retirement coverage under FERS, an employee must: 1) transfer directly (without a break in service exceeding 3 days) from a primary position to a secondary position, AND 2) complete 3 years of service in a primary rigorous position including any such service during which no FERS deductions were withheld, AND 3) must be continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a primary rigorous position, except for any break in employment from a secondary position that began with involuntary separation (not for cause). It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this office has enough information to determine your special retirement status to ensure you do not lose benefits (normally through submission of your work history or other documentation that demonstrates work history of approved covered positions). You must let this office know if you are in a Primary position.
Employment Type: OTHER